Traditionally on Chinese New Year's Eve, families gather around the table to make dumplings, turning the simple act of wrapping fillings in dough into a cherished ritual of reunion and hope. Thousands of kilometers away in Italy, tortellini – a traditional type of stuffed pasta – takes center stage on Christmas tables, often served in a warm broth, symbolizing family heritage and festive joy.

Though rooted in different culinary traditions, dumplings and tortellini share striking similarities. Both are handmade stuffed dishes passed down through generations, and their preparation often becomes a collective family activity.

From traditional Chinese New Year to Christmas, people across cultures wrap not only ingredients but also memories, emotions and values into each piece of dough. This way, food becomes more than nourishment – it becomes a bridge connecting families, traditions, and cultures.